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Name derivation:

 

 

Classification:

Tetradesmus  G.M.Smith  1913;  3 of 5 species descriptions are currently accepted taxonomically (guiry and Guiry 2013).

Order Sphaeropleales   Family Scenedesmaceae

 

Morphology:

Green 4-celled colonies, no mucilage, cells lunate and connected back to back.  One chloroplast per cell.  Asexual reproduction with autospores;  sexual reproduction not observed.

Similar genera:

 

 

Habitat:

Freshwater plankton.

References:

Guiry, M.D. and G.M. Guiry  2013.  AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 31 July 2013.

Smith, G.M.  1913.  Tetradesmus, a new four-celled coenobic alga.  Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 40: 75-87, 1 pl.